Wednesday, June 27, 2012

My Quip – Aka Kumquat’s Lorax – A New Quilt

Good Day,

What do you get when you cross a Kumquat and a Lorax?

 

But of course, a new quilt Aka Kumquat’s Lorax



Inspired by Robert Kaufman’s recent fabric line, The Lorax by Dr. Suess Enterprises, and Denyse Schmidt's 1996 What a Bunch of Squares we have designed and begun the construction on our Aka Kumquat’s Lorax quilt.

The approximate dimensions of Aka Kumquat’s Lorax are: Width – 44” (112 cms) by Length – 60” (152 cms). We are using five of the fabrics from The Lorax line.

Enjoy,

Andy and Jim
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My Quip – Who Did Desi Adore? – Quilt Wall Hanging – Top Completed

Good Day,

Sun is shining, windows are not fogged up, and there’s a cleaned-washed scent in the air… not to mention the Lysol on the kitchen floor.

Great news this morning, Quilts SB is ranked #1 and received 5-Stars in the Quilting Site Category at TopListed.net... This is a first.

The top of our new quilt wall hanging Who Did Desi Adore? has been completed. Here’s a blurred peek of this pieced abstract mosaic.

Without a border and frame the top is 24” (61 cms) by 36” (91 cms) and composed of 1” (2.54 cms) squares, sewn. All fabric is Robert Kaufman’s Kona cotton line. We are now working a number of our other projects with solid colors… It is certainly a interesting.

The challenge now is to figure out the quilting of Who Did Desi Adore? I really appreciate the thoughts and ideas regarding techniques for the quilting construction.

All the fabric and colors in our upcoming quilt I Really Love Lucy will be similar to those in our Who Did Desi Adore?

Stay-tuned for updates.

Enjoy,

Andy and Jim
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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

My Quip – Flying Monkeys Meets Flying Monkeys II Meets Sock Monkey – And The Pack

Good day,

Sun was shining, but now it is raining, and the water’s abating, I think. Our sidewalk has now cleared of the liquid stuff but for the flotsam and jetsam.

As Debby moves eastward looks like the outer-bands of storms and winds seem to be decreasing. This is 4th named storm, and we haven’t even finished the 1st month of season. At this rate, there should be just about 20 more before the end of November. One gets used to having an extra pile of dry towels near the door, at this time of the year.

Flying Monkeys meet Flying Monkeys II meet Sock Monkey, meet The Pack…


Here are some images of a side-by-side arrangement of the two small quilts. Check out the subtle differences…


Enjoy,

Andy and Jim
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Monday, June 25, 2012

Q102 – Flying Monkeys II – Quilt

Good Day,

Well I thought I would want lake front property, but it certainly doesn’t go well unless one has a couple of canoes to get around. Our house is completely surrounded and NOAA is forecasting another 90% chance of rain today. Oh well, I have always had a penchant for fresh fish. We definitely are still quilting…

Flying Monkeys II has been completed.


Flying Monkeys II is almost a mirror image to Flying Monkeys.

The dimensions of Flying Monkeys II are: Length – 50” (127 cms) and Width – 36” (91 cms). The quilting, 61,000 stitches, is horizontal and vertical parallel lines to create a grid pattern. The parallel quilting is ½ ” (1.27 cms) apart.

The three fabrics are of Moda’s Funky Monkey collection designed by Erin Michael. My inspiration was the Half Rectangle Triangle Tutorial found at The Modern Quilt Guild site. Well, monkeys and half rectangle triangles together equal kites, or what appear to be kites, and therefore Flying Monkeys II.

Here are some more images, close-ups and the back of Flying Monkeys.





The main differences between Flying Monkeys and Flying Monkeys II are the quilting grid, the borders, the mirrored pattern, and the borders.

And now for the Quilts SB business part…

If you are interested, and would like some more information of available quilts, regarding costs, shipping, and insurance, please check our Quilts SB Etsy shop.

Keep up-to-date of all Quilts SB news. I have added a “Follow By Email” capability at the bottom right of each posting under The Grid. You can also become a Follower of Quilts SB. Click on the “Join this site” to follow Quilts SB. I’ve added another means to follow the images of our quilt creations via Pinterest.

Check out my alternative format of Quilts SB, Quilts SB Test. Certainly would appreciate your feedback.

To see previously posted quilts, there is a visual Grid presentation at the bottom of the Quilts SB page. Move your cursor over any mini-picture found there and click to see an enlargement. Move your cursor to the "Q#" link to see the quilt's details. If the quilt’s title is highlighted in yellow or in red, it has found a home in a collection and is no longer available.

If you have any questions and/or comments please feel free to get in touch with me via email.

Enjoy,

Jim and Andy
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Saturday, June 23, 2012

My Quip – Yes, There are More Muffins – And Quilts and Wall Hangings

Good Day,

The latest batch of muffins were supposed to be cranberry muffins… Instead they are cranraisin muffins. I ran out of regular white flour and so I substituted 1/3 of the required with whole wheat. Made a streusel topping with brown sugar, butter, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. And now I’ve learned that I like to make the big muffins. Difference, 3 cups versus 2 cups of flour products. Final dozen, not bad… Figured I’m saving about $20.00 each time I make a batch, as compared to picking one up at a neighborhood Wifi coffee shoppe. And we can have seconds.

Our quilt and wall hanging work is progressing.

I have to keep reigning myself in regards to the number of a drafts and new designs I have on tap. Looks like we have received five new commissions, and a possibility of two more.

Here is our current Quilts SB quilts and wall hangings in progress.

  • The AmuletIn quilting stage
  • Astro-PhysicsPieced and in design
  • BlumishPieced and in design
  • Mauk IIIn construction
  • Kumquat’s LoraxIn design
  • Blue ChambrayTop completed
  • I Really Love LucyIn design
  • Who Did Desi Adore?Pieced and in construction
  • Gunta StölzIn design
  • RánIn design
  • Joseph’s CoatTop completed
  • Joseph’s Ladder PantsPieced and in design
  • Batique OM I - In construction
  • Batique OM IIIn construction
  • Civil War Re-enactment IIIn design
  • Just TreesIn design and in construction
  • Orange Peel Indian SummerTop competed
  • Hexi-AbuelitaIn design
  • Pocket Full of MiraclesIn design
  • Gran’s Reminiscences In design
  • EagleIn design

Both Blue Memories and Savanna's Memories have been delivered to their new homes. Feedback has been tremendous and thrilling.

Andy and I attended the second organizational get-together of the West Florida/Tampa Bay Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) at the Westin Hotel on the Courtney Campbell Causeway last week. SAQA is a non-profit international organization whose mission is to promote the art quilt through education, exhibitions, professional development and documentation. Our next meeting will be in October 2012. If you are interested please get in touch with me for details. Check out SAQA, Studio Art Quilt Associates.

Enjoy,

Andy and Jim
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Thursday, June 21, 2012

My Quip – Who Did Desi Adore? – Quilt Wall Hanging Update

Good Day,

Who Did Desi Adore? is taking on a life of its own. We are both surprised that this new venture is actually is somewhat intriguing.


I am calling this an abstract mosaic but once I tried to mask the actual in-progress wall hanging I was amazed at the effect it has as it is compared to the original 1944 portrait of Lucille Ball by Harry Warnecke. I thought you might be interested in preview of our work in progress.

The construction of our Who Did Desi Adore? is a configuration of 1” (2.54 cms) squares created by squares and triangles of fabrics. The quilt top, with borders and binding, will be: Width – 24” (61 cms) by Length – 36” (92 cms).

Here is an image of the 1944 Lucille Ball portrait by Harry Warneck.


Enjoy,

Jim
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Sunday, June 17, 2012

My Quip – The Amulet – A New Quilt in Progress

Good Day,

Supper last night – Thai cucumber, onion, bird chilies, and culantro salad, Sous vide teriyaki chicken with a teriyaki glaze reduction, garlic baby bok choy, and slivered broccoli with shitake mushrooms. I am still amazed each time I use the Sous vide contraption… And supper was good, and company was great.

Yes, we are working on a number of quilts concurrently… and it all depends upon deadlines and the type of mood Andy or I may be in. At times we like to walk away from one of our projects just to give ourselves a breather… and at times the work may become somewhat tedious. But all of our list of pending quilts and wall-hangings are works in progress… That is, until our Smith Brunhammer label is completed and attached to the back of a work.


This past January I wrote that we had started a new and original work inspired by a bracelet created by the artist Richard Tsosie. Our top, constructed of approximately 120 pieces, rectangles and squares of fabric, The Amulet, has been completed. The approximate and anticipated size of the completed quilt should be a Double-size quilt.


We have picked the back fabric, a light blue, and a variegated blue thread to complete the quilting. Our decision of how to attempt to quilt The Amulet has taken some time. The quilting we decided upon is a freeform meandering and continuous maze-like pattern. It seems to be the most complementary to the fabrics and design.

Once loaded and started we completed one pass of quilting and then stopped. We did not like the variegated blue thread on the light blue backing. And so, we have unloaded the quilt-wich and are picking all the initial quilting… to start over again. A new backing thread choice has been picked and a lesson has been learned.

Lesson learned… Work a sample quilt before attempting the final product… Hey we're still learning.

Enjoy, and stay tuned for updates on The Amulet.

Andy and Jim
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Saturday, June 16, 2012

My Quip - Who Did Desi Adore? - Quilt Wall Hanging - Update

Good Day,

Well the creation of Who Did Desi Adore? continues. Most definitely an abstract mosaic wall hanging.


We decided that there needed to be some more shading in the fabrics as we create the composition. And therefore in these images you can see some white paper squares with letters on them. We are waiting on the fabric shades to arrive. All fabrics are void of patterns. We are using the Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton line. The line is an artist's veritable and endless palette.


We both are enjoying the concept of mosaic construction with fabric. And yesterday we stopped for a burger at BGR The Burger Joint. The decor is early 80s rock music... and each table top is a mosaic of an album cover. Pretty slick... And by the way, the burgers were good, really good.

And now for the Quilts SB business part…

If you are interested, and would like some more information of available quilts, regarding costs, shipping, and insurance, please check our Quilts SB Etsy shop.

Keep up-to-date of all Quilts SB news. I have added a “Follow By Email” capability at the bottom right of each posting under The Grid. You can also become a Follower of Quilts SB. Click on the “Join this site” to follow Quilts SB. I’ve added another means to follow the images of our quilt creations via Pinterest.

Check out my alternative format of Quilts SB, Quilts SB Test. Certainly would appreciate your feedback.

To see previously posted quilts, there is a visual Grid presentation at the bottom of the Quilts SB page. Move your cursor over any mini-picture found there and click to see an enlargement. Move your cursor to the "Q#" link to see the quilt's details. If the quilt’s title is highlighted in yellow or in red, it has found a home in a collection and is no longer available.

If you have any questions and/or comments please feel free to get in touch with me via email.

Enjoy,

Jim and Andy
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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

My Quip – Who Did Desi Adore? – Wall Hanging – Progress

Good Day,

I guess the strapping on Andy’s left wrist certainly isn’t slowing him down.

This is a quick update of our new original design, Who Did Desi Adore?.



25% of the piecing into strips has been completed; squares and equilateral triangles. The pattern of my design is beginning to take form. This should prove interesting. And I’m still trying to figure out a “classification” for this wall hanging… Maybe, abstract mosaic?

Enjoy,

Andy and Jim
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Monday, June 11, 2012

My Quip – Who Did Desi Adore? – A New Wall Hanging

Good Day,

When does 766 + 534 = 24” by 36”? In other words, for those above the border line in the frigid north and across the expanse of Ocean waters, when does 766 + 534 = 60.9 cms by 91.4 cms?

And yes, both CT surgeries are complete. The sling is in the trash bin for pick-up… and Andy is antsy to start working again.

I have completed the new venture, Who Did Desi Adore?? My design is down on paper. We’re using 19 colors of fabrics. All 19 are solid colors; Robert Kaufman, Kona Cotton. Our key has been constructed. This will be Number 1 in our Lucille Ball Series. The final size will make this quilt a wall hanging.

The question is – What type of quilt is Who Did Desi Adore? going to be? Abstract portrait? Portrait mosaic? What about a cubist pattern? Is it influenced by my research of Paul Klee and Gunta Stöltz?

And now for the Quilts SB business part…

If you are interested, and would like some more information of available quilts, regarding costs, shipping, and insurance, please check our Quilts SB Etsy shop.

Keep up-to-date of all Quilts SB news. I have added a “Follow By Email” capability at the bottom right of each posting under The Grid. You can also become a Follower of Quilts SB. Click on the “Join this site” to follow Quilts SB. I’ve added another means to follow the images of our quilt creations via Pinterest.

Check out my alternative format of Quilts SB, Quilts SB Test. Certainly would appreciate your feedback.

To see previously posted quilts, there is a visual Grid presentation at the bottom of the Quilts SB page. Move your cursor over any mini-picture found there and click to see an enlargement. Move your cursor to the "Q#" link to see the quilt's details. If the quilt’s title is highlighted in yellow or in red, it has found a home in a collection and is no longer available.

If you have any questions and/or comments please feel free to get in touch with me via email.

Enjoy,

Jim and Andy
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Sunday, June 10, 2012

My Quip - Not Only Quilting But Muffins Too...

Good Day,

Yes, I am obsessed with genealogy... and quilting. But I do have a couple other likes that from time-to-time bide my time.

Today was the third time in a couple of weeks that I set myself back to another one of my long-lost loves; baking.

Who'd'a thought that running a bakery that many years ago would necessarily put me back into the mood to start again? But first, let me explain, I'm not starting a bakery... I'm just doing the baking. I think that there is also the sticker shock after I purchased some baked goods at a specialty coffee and goodies shop.

And I've started off with muffins.

The first batch - Banana, sour cream, and toasted walnuts. Didn't have enough sour cream so I substituted half required with yogurt. Not a bad result, and they didn't last long out of the oven.

The next dozen was Cranberry and orange. But this one doesn't count. This was from a box off the shelf. I was being a bit lazy and thinking that everything would be pre-measured and in easy plastic compartments if I used a box/package. I definitely wanted to see and taste if there was a real difference between homemade and packaged goods. Damn right there's a difference... But I am confused, why did the package mix instructions only state that the resulting batter would make 11 regular-sized muffins?

My next homemade batch was a mixture of cornmeal, flour, bacon, green onions, and three types of cheeses: Asiago, white cheddar, and mozzarella. These were terrific, and you can tell that "Chopped" is definitely having a lasting effect on my approach to cooking.

Today's experiment was blueberry, sugar, and grated lime peel. The recipe called for lemon peel, but I only have a key-lime tree in the back-yard. A blueberry sugar reduction was made to swirl into the batter of each muffin. Also a mixture of sugar and lime peel was mixed and sprinkled on top. Fresh out of the oven, only half a dozen left.

And yes, the above image of six lime-sugared blueberry muffins are the ones out of my oven.

And here's to fairly good baked goods.

Now I will focus on A Genealogy Hunt on my Mystery of the genealogy and life of ggg-grandfather Brayton C. Placeway. Also, got to work on the next new Quilt SB designs.

Enjoy,

Jim
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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Q101 – Blue Memories – Quilt

Good Day,

Two sisters… The clothes of a treasured grandmother. An idea for Father’s Day. Blue Memories.


Blue Memories is a commissioned quilt… A gift to their Father for Father’s Day, of 46 shirts and skirts of their Father’s Mother, their Grandmother. And it is a humongous King-Size bedspread quilt.

After some discussion and ideas bandied about, a geometric design was fashioned to incorporate 6” (15.2 cms) and 2” (5.1 cms) squares cut from all the 46 fabrics. Each square had to be cut at 6 ½” (16.5 cms) and 2 ½” (6.4 cms) square to allow for seam allowance.

The following are my original grid and design of Blue Memories once each fabric was scanned and applied to the mock up.




The choice of placement of the 6” (15.2 cms) and 2” (5.1 cms) squares in the overall scheme of the design is based on a controlled randomness. We have developed a definite steadfast technique. All the cut 6 ½” (16.5 cms)  squares were placed in a brown paper bag. (I’m not sure if the color of the bag has anything to with the final composition of the squares and patterns.) The bag is shaken and stirred and then each square is drawn out one at a time. (We did decide to forgo the blindfold procedure of this methodology.)

The same was done with the 2 ½” (6.4 cms) squares. In the placement of the squares, especially the striped ones we attempted to position them all, as best as possible, in a uniform direction. The quilting was decided to be horizontal and parallel lines, perpendicular to the direction of the striped fabrics. Each line of quilting is ½” (1.3 cms) apart and each line is just about 1,700 stitches of thread.

The final dimensions of Blue Memories are: Length – 114” (290 cms) and Width 114” (290 cms). It is a large King size quilt that can be used as a bedspread. As the actual width of the Blue Memories is larger than the width of the rack of our Longarm quilting table, we compensated by completing a 3” (7.6 cms) wide diagonal series of parallel lines sewn on each side using a Domestic machine.

Here are some more images; close-ups and the back of Blue Memories.




The final destination and new home for Blue Memories is Baltimore, Maryland.

If you are interested of commissioning and working with Andy and I to create your memory quilt, please contact us. If you would like some more information of available quilts, regarding costs, shipping, and insurance, please check our Quilts SB Etsy shop.

Andy and I are moving at a steady pace with our quilt and fabric wall hanging work. Keep abreast of all updates. I have added a “Follow By Email” capability at the bottom right of each posting under The Grid. You can also become a Follower of Quilts SB. Click on the “Join this site” to follow Quilts SB. I’ve added another means to follow the images of our quilt creations via Pinterest.

Check out my new experimental format of my Blog, Quilts SB Test. Certainly would appreciate your feedback.

To see previously posted quilts, there is a visual Grid presentation at the bottom of the Quilts SB page. Move your cursor over any mini-picture found there and click to see an enlargement. Move your cursor to the "Q#" link to see the quilt's details. If the quilt’s title is highlighted in yellow or in red, it has found a home in a collection and is no longer available.

If you have any questions and/or comments please feel free to get in touch with me via email.

Enjoy,

Jim and Andy
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